Here are a few more shooting tips for duck hunting to add to our list from the other day:
- Slow Down– A key reason for missing ducks is getting in a hurry. Some hunters think they have to shoot quickly before the birds flare and get out of range. The truth is, when hunters wait that extra second or two when ducks are coming in, then rise up to shoot, there’s plenty of time to take three deliberate, well-spaced shots before the birds get too far away. Consciously slow your pace. Don’t be jerky when mounting your shotgun. Don’t rush your shots. Try not to compete with your hunting partners. Just take your time, and focus solely on hitting your target.
- One Shot At A Time– When a flight of ducks comes into the decoys, many hunters shoot … at the flight! They don’t single out one bird, and concentrate strictly on it. An incoming flight of ducks is 95 percent air. This is why you need to lock in on one bird and stay with it until it drops. Don’t “flock shoot.” Don’t switch targets. Don’t let the excitement of the moment shatter your focus.
- Shoot The Last Bird- Take the last or highest bird in an incoming fight. When ducks or geese are about to land, most hunters focus on the closest, lowest, easiest shot, and two or more hunters wind up shooting at the same bird. Instead, take a trailer with the first shot. Then your shotgun will be in the right plane to shoot flaring birds on the second and third shots. Also, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you downed birds that no other hunters were shooting.
